Overview
Varanasi, on the banks of the Ganges, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of the holiest for Hindus. Life here centres on the river, with pilgrims bathing at dawn, priests performing rituals and narrow lanes full of temples, silk shops and sweet stalls.
This tour offers a respectful, guided experience of the ghats, the evening Ganga aarti and nearby Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first teaching. It is an intense city, so we build in time to rest.
Highlights
- Watch the evening Ganga aarti ceremony at the ghats
- Take a sunrise boat ride on the Ganges
- Walk the old lanes and visit temples and silk workshops
- Visit Sarnath, where the Buddha gave his first sermon
- Sample local food such as kachori, lassi and Banarasi paan
